The Dunstan Times FRIDAY, MAY 19, 1871.

Dunstan Times, Issue 474, 19 May 1871, Page 2

The Dunstan Times

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 1871.

Beneath the Rule of Men entirely just the pen is mightier than the sword

Mail communication with the United States and America, vid San Francisco, may, judging fiom the successful voyage of the hJ evada, be considered to be successfully established. Twenty-three days from the latter place, although a considerably more rapid passage than has yet been made, is no very won derful performance after all. The greatest distance accomplished during twenty-four hours was two hundred and eighty-four miles, or within a trifle of twelve miles per hour, and we will suppose that this was made under the most favorable circumstances. To this twenty three days we have to add two more for detention at Honolulu for coaling purposes, making the passage in all twenty-five days. We may, therefore, confidently expect the time to be still further shortened by increased speed of the boats and a less detention at Honolulu. There seems little reason to be of any other opinion than that this will be the favorite route for passenger traffic between New Zealand and Europe, while a great number of our Australian fellowcollonists will also avail themselves of the same line The journey by sea as far as San Francisco is over a comparatively smooth ocean; then the trip by railway right across the American continent must be almost one unalloyed pleasure, and worth the whole

cost of the journey. From Now York to Liverpool the distance is accomplished by first-class steamers that have no rival, and, although the passage may he across a rough turbulent sea during the winter months, compamtivo safety may bo almost calculated upon, casualties having been very few. The commercial advantages to be derived by New Zealand by this route to Europe are doubtless many ; still we should like to see more of it through British territory, and] not strangers pocketing nearly the whole of the passage money, between New York and Liverpool being the only part where the transit is in the hands of our countrymen, and even this may be competed for by Americans. We give the Honorable Julius Vogel much credit for establishing this means of communication with Europe ; still, at the same time, we do not see that we shall be benefited by id to the extent anticipated. New Zealand exports, excepting wool, are not of a character required in any of the South American ports or in the United States of America, and it i-i not at all probable that the Americans will admit our wool duty free because we send a few passengers through her continent on their way to|Europe. South America produces corn much cheaper than it can he grown here. San Francisco and Chilli can undersell us in our own markets, while we importing annually ship-loads of American manufactures, a number of which might be made here. We may possibly increase our commerce with the Fijis and some few of the islands of the Pacific ; but that will be tlie'extent of the solid benefits accruing to us, save and except a more rapid and convenient route to Europe. Our colonial marine is of very’small extent. We are unable to establish lines of steamers toany-longMistances, and, as our own countrymen failed to do for us that which the Americans have done, we must, however reluctantly, patronise them. The day may come, as prognosticated by the Honorable Julius Vogel, when there will be a federation of the AngloSaxon race ; v but t it is far removed at present. Without t being envious of the success of others, we may, with a good grace, still adhere to the o d adage : “ Charity begins at home.”

As the Provincial Council meets on the 25th of the present month, there is little time to loose’in making known some of the more important wants of the district,so that they may be attended to. The most clamorous and the most influential districts will assuredly get the Lion’s share of the public expenditure this present session, and considering how limited the financial means of the Province is the money to be laid out upon public works will be very limited, Southland will be clamorous, its representatives will be insatiable, and when we come to take into account that Mr. Macandre ir owes his election to the votes of that newly acquired territory, outsiders will stand a poor chance. It is our duty to strengthen the hands of our member Mr. Shepherd as much as possible by public meetings and petitions and having done, so leave the rest to him and from past experiences we have no doubt but that the wants of the district will have his most strict attention. The continuance of the grant in aid to Municipalities is of great importance. Mun’cipal institutions have done much f«r the up-country districts and their success is looked upon with zealous eyes, by political adventurers. Local self-government to those parties is an acceptable and convenient power when they can make use of it, but when turned against them they dread its influence. The substantial benefits derived from it, are so apparent that we are sure there can be no dissentient voices against a continuance of the grant in aid. The matter of roads and water supply to goldfields also the opening up of land for settlement, we are sure will not be neglected by Mr Shepherd, but. as we have previous’y said, his constituents must strengthen his hands in the Council.

Owing to the pressure Upon our space we are compelled to hold over mnch interesting local matter already in type. From the Garrick Range we learn that the Royal Standard machine is crushing a lot of stone from the Heart of Oak claim which is expected to turn out five or six ounces to the ton. Two fresh claims have been taken up on the Heart of Oak line of reef. Mr. M'Cormack is building a new hotel which will shortly he opened. The Blue Mountain Race, with claim, plant, &c., was sold by auction yesterday, at Black’s for £1450. Mr., J. C. Chappie, was the auctioneer.